Relationships are important to me because they are the part of life that keeps you on touch with your emotions. They are never easy, but require constant give and take. As I get older, I am more aware of how past relationships have shaped my life both good and bad.I currently have positive relationships with my female friends that I have known for a long time. We have our moments here and there, but we have never done anything to each other that has done harm to our relationships. Our relationships are based on mutual respect, caring, support, and interactions with each other. We share our ups and downs and try to find ways to lift each other up whenevr we can.
I also have positive relationships with my children. They are complex and take alot out of me, but they are mine. I wouldn't trade any of them for the world. Just watching them grow and change is the biggest reward of this partnership. I can see something everyday that verifies the positive effects of our interactions.
My students and I have very positive relationships. I love the fact that I don't have to play "good or bad" teacher with them. I am always myself, let them know that every decision I make is based on my caring for them, and do not carry ill feelings towards them when they make mistakes.
Challenges I have found in developing and maintaining relationships are trusting and depending on people. I was raised to be very independent due to parents who were substance abusers. I learned to do for myself and not to depend on others because they may not do what they said they would regardless of how they feel about you. I took this into most of my relationships. The first time someone failed to meet my expectations, I bailed without looking back. As a result, I don't give people chances to recover from mistakes, I shut people out when I am angry at them, and I tend to avoid confrontation to keep from hurting the feelings of those I love. I developed many communication issues as I grew up.
I think my experience with relationships will make me a great early childhood provider. I can relate directly to children who may be living through some of the same horrors I did as a child. I can also relate and sympathize with parents who are unable to understand or help their child through troubled times.
Kamae, you're children are beautiful! I like that you do not play the fence with your students, but you come before them every morning as yourself. Young children are better able to understand and react to you, when you are consistent in your character/behavior. You also make two valid points regarding challenges in developing and maintaining relationships. Trust and dependability are two reasons why my circle of relationship is a select few of family members and two or three friends. I am also the type of person who will get upset and will cut you off completely. I know that isn't the way to be, but once you do me wrong it is over for you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog!
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